ScoopDuck Predictions: Surprise Storylines vs Utah
It’s going to be another big week and a late night in Eugene on Saturday. Utah heads to town with a goal of making it three straight against the Ducks.
Most of the players understand the magnitude of this game. Not only for this season but for the future of the program. Can Dan Lanning get this group back on track? It’s going to be a tough test in his first year as head coach.
Here are a few storylines that could unfold this week that might surprise Duck fans.
Jarrid Denney: Oregon’s pass defense looks noticeably better
I mean, it can’t get worse, right?
Oregon was torched for 408 yards through the air last week by MKichael Penix Jr., who had no problem picking apart the Ducks’ secondary.
While Oregon is facing another very good quarterback in Utah’s Cam Rising this week, he likely isn’t going to attack the Ducks downfield in the same way that Penix did. Rising has attempted far fewer deep and intermediate throws than Penix this season, according to PFF, and completes them at a much lower rate.
That would seem to bode well for the Ducks, as 305 of Penix’s yards last week came on those types of throws.
I’m not expecting Oregon’s pass defense to look *good* against the Utes. But it will at least look a bit more competent.
Joel Gunderson: Oregon’s future comes into play
I’m going to preface this whole thing by saying i don’t know for sure of this will happen. But based on what we saw Saturday, I think it’s very possible Oregon is without 3-4 starters against Utah due to injury.
If — IF — that is the case, we’re going to get a big glimpse into what Oregon looks like in 2023. And the offensive line is where I see the biggest opportunity.
The status’ of Ryan Walk and Alex Forsyth are unknown, which could mean we see a bunch of JPJ and big # 75, Faaope Laloulu, who played the final series against Washington.
I trust the staff to have the quarterback position ready in 2023, no matter who it is. But the offensive line is in flux, and if those two are forced to play a bunch, along with Marcus Harper and Josh Conerly, we could see a vision into the future against the Utes.
Jhop: Ducks Bounce Back Big
I want to believe. I want to have Dan Lanning get this team re-grouped for a very tough Utah team and show us why the future is bright. It might or might not happen. But if it does, I think this team can put a good L on the Utes. Who frankly have one coming from the Ducks.
Oregon can match them physically. They can run the ball and move the ball downfield. The Ducks can score points, I’m confident of that.
Now if the defense can muster up some big plays and get just a stop or two early on, I think Oregon can put this game out of reach and never look back.
Again, all of this is assuming Bo Nix plays.
